OpenGL.GL.SGIX.texture_multi_buffer

OpenGL extension SGIX.texture_multi_buffer

This module customises the behaviour of the OpenGL.raw.GL.SGIX.texture_multi_buffer to provide a more Python-friendly API

Overview (from the spec)

This extension provides an API for the application to specify that the OpenGL should handle multiple textures in such a way that, wherever possible, a texture definition or redefinition can occur in parallel with rendering that uses a different texture.

The texture_object extension allows the simultaneous definition of multiple textures; any texture that is not being used for rendering can, in principle, have its definition or operations in its definition (e.g. downloading to hardware) occur in parallel with the use of another texture. This is true as long as all redefinitions strictly follow any use of the previous definition.

Conceptually this is similar to frame buffer double-buffering, except that the intent here is to simply provide a hint to the OpenGL to promote such double-buffering if and wherever possible. The effect of such a hint is to speed up operations without affecting the result. The user on any particular system must be knowledgable and prepared to accept any trade-offs which follow from such a hint.

GL_FASTEST in this context means that texture multi-buffering is being used whenever possible to improve performance. Generally, textures that are adjacent in a sequence of multiple texture definitions have the greatest chance of being in different buffers. The number of buffers available at any time depends on various factors, such as the machine being used and the textures' internal formats.

The official definition of this extension is available here: http://www.opengl.org/registry/specs/SGIX/texture_multi_buffer.txt